Severe weather warning issued for the North East and Yorkshire

This news article was withdrawn on 12 October 2017

This document is no longer current

Highways England has issued an amber weather alert for motorways and major A roads in the North East and Yorkshire areas, with gusts expected to reach 70mph.

Drivers across the region are being urged to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys today in particular those using exposed locations on the A66 over the Pennines and high spots of the A69. High winds are forecast until 4am tomorrow.

Andrew Charnick, emergency planning manager at Highways England said:

We issue severe weather alerts when there is a significant risk to vehicles using motorways and major A roads. The amber status means drivers should be prepared before setting out on journeys.

There’s a particular risk to lorries and other vulnerable vehicles, such as caravans and motorbikes, so we’re asking drivers to slow down and to avoid using exposed sections of motorways and other route if possible.

Highways England in partnership with the Met Office is strongly advising that high sided vehicles and other vulnerable vehicles avoid the following areas if at all possible:

We are working closely with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys. We will have extra traffic officers and recovery vehicles to help respond to any incidents.

Road users are being advised to follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates. Further information can be found by visiting the web page or calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

More advice on driving in windy weather is available from the met office.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

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